Professional golfers can achieve greater success if they spend less time over the ball, according to the RSM Player Performance study conducted by RSM in collaboration with the European Tour.

The study collected data on 47 European Tour professionals over five tournaments, 304 rounds of golf and 22,579 shots. Led by Dr Matt Bridge, Senior Lecturer in Coaching & Sports Science at the University of Birmingham UK, the study revealed three key findings:

1. Spending less time over the ball could earn a European Tour player an extra €189k per season.

2. Quicker shots improve performance. A shorter time over the ball across all putts results in a 90 per cent increase in the likelihood of strokes gained.

3. Consistency of time spent over the ball leads to a greater chance of making the cut. When players are more consistent in rounds one and two they are 50 per cent more likely to make the cut compared to less consistent players.

RSM, a leading audit, tax and consulting firm, has partnered with the European Tour to identify the key drivers of player performance at the elite level and provide credible data and insights to shape the future of the game of golf.

The study focused on:

• Time spent at address - is there an optimal amount of time to spent at address?

• Player behaviour/pre-shot routine

• Pre-round and practice round trends and patterns

The objective of study is to identify the key drivers of player performance at the elite level and provide credible data and insights to shape the future of the game of golf.

Smashing golf with Andy Sullivan

The RSM Player Performance study concluded when Andy Sullivan takes 8.2 seconds over the ball, his performance is maximised. We put that to the test in a laboratory - this time with the help of a piggy bank, watermelon and goldfish.

​More about how the study will help the next generation of golfers

RSM: Inside the ropes

You have the chance to walk inside-the-ropes with European Tour stars at four of the most prestigious UK professional events.
Find out how here